Marking the end of the decades-spanning Skywalker saga, it’d be safe to assume that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will be the last time we see a lot of our favorite characters. At least, those who’re still alive – with one known exception: Luke Skywalker.
While it’s been no secret that Mark Hamill’s been attached to J.J. Abrams’ highly anticipated finale, the actor recently revealed to AP Entertainment that he’ll be coming back as a Force ghost – following the footsteps of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda. And apparently, he wants this one to be his last.
When asked whether or not The Rise of Skywalker will actually be the proverbial “it,” Hamill offered a short and sweet response.
“I sure hope so.”
The interviewer, sort of thrown off by the blunt answer, followed up with a simple why and got a more in-depth reason.
“Well, because…I had closure in the last one. The fact that I’m involved in any capacity is only because of that peculiar aspect of the Star Wars mythology where if you’re a Jedi, you get to come back and make a curtain call as a Force ghost.”
This near frustration comes after 40 years of dedicated servitude to the Star Wars brand. Frustration may not be the best word – exhausted’s probably more like it. After all, the star’s admitted to feeling “fatigued” throughout his career by the series and its several projects. But he’s nowhere near the impatience, mind you, of his co-star across the galaxy, Harrison Ford, who’s always been vocal on that subject.
With all that said, it’s hard to imagine Hamill leaving the franchise entirely. A very prominent voice actor, we may see him come up again in an animated series or a video game of some kind. So don’t count Luke out just yet. But be prepared to say goodbye, at least on the big screen, when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20th.